How to Fight an Unfair Medical Bill

Have you received an unfair medical bill? You’re not alone. Many patients have faced high bills that are simply incorrect, or even predatory. But let’s face it, even understanding complex and confusing bills is a huge challenge. Patients Rising wants to arm you with how to fight back on this week’s episode.

Investigative journalist Marshall Allen has worked with patients for years. He’s dug into their medical bills to understand the ins and outs of medical billing. He shares his tips to empower patients to fight back against unfair charges.

And hear from a patient about her own medical bill drama: DeeAnn Dean’s husband, Jason, received a bill for over $6,000 for just six stitches, leading her to delay her own medical care out of fear they’d receive another astronomical tab. 

Hosts: 

Terry Wilcox, Executive Director, Patients Rising

Dr. Robert Goldberg, “Dr. Bob,” Co-Founder and Vice President of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest

Kate Pecora, Field Correspondent, Patients Rising

Guests:

Marshall Allen, author, Don’t Pay the First Bill

DeeAnn Dean

Morgan Fitzgerald, Patient Correspondent

Links:

Senate passes bill to delay nearly 10% in Medicare cuts expected to start in January

The ER charged him $6,589.77 for 6 stitches, a cost that led his wife to avoid the ER

Need help?

The successful patient is one who can get what they need when they need it. We all know insurance slows us down, so why not take matters into your own hands? Our Navigator is an online tool that allows you to search a massive network of health-related resources using your zip code so you get local results. Get proactive and become a more successful patient right now at PatientsRisingConcierge.org

Have a question or comment about the show, or want to suggest a show topic or share your story as a patient correspondent?

Drop us a line: podcast@patientsrising.org

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the guest(s)/ author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of Patients Rising.